COLEOPTERA. ELATERID/K. 237 



circular space, shut in by the last dorsal segment, adding that this space 

 is, in fact, the last ventral segment, and seems characteristic of the 

 genus. As, however, the insect (including the head) has thirteen 

 segments (which is the typical number in larvae), exclusive of this 

 tubercle, it is evident that it must be regarded only as a tubercle ; the 

 same structure prevails in many other genera. I have found this 

 form of larvae in very decayed rotten wood ; but it is very difficult to 

 rear them to the perfect state. Amongst my larvge of this type of 

 form, I observe seven or eight variations in the denticulation of the 

 last segment of the body, there being as many as seven or eight 

 teeth on each side, besides the bifurcate terminal horns in some 

 individuals (^fig. 24. 22.). Amongst them is also one i^Jig. 24. 21.) 

 which I find not uncommonly at Coombe Wood creeping about the 

 roots of moss; and as the Agrypnus murinus is found there in the same 

 situation, as well as the exuvias of pupae, which appear to belong to 

 this species, I have little liesitation in assigning it to that insect ; 

 indeed, I should imagine that this form of larva is peculiar to the 

 genus Agrypnus, as restricted by the late authors. 



The species of another group, to which Mr. Stephens, in allusion 

 to their destructive powers, applied the name of Cataphagus ( Agriotes), 

 the type whereof is the Elater lineatus Linn., or the El. segetis of 

 Bjerkander, have differently formed larva?. Those of the last-named 

 species, and of El. obscurus of Marsham [Linn. ?), which, indeed, 

 Messrs. Kirby and Spence regard as a variety of the former, are 

 known by the name of the wire-worm {Jig. 24. 14.), from their 

 slender cylindric form and hard texture; they are of a fulvous colour; 

 their legs are so short as to be scarcely visible beyond the sides of 

 the body, the terminal segment of which is entire, longer than the 

 preceding, and terminating in an acute mucro at the apex, with a 

 deep circular impression on each side at its base above {fig. 24. 15. 

 terminal segment seen laterally.) These impressions are doubtingly 

 regarded by Messrs. Kirby and Spence as spiracles. As, however, 

 their position is certainly not that of spiracles, and as the other 

 larvae of this family are destitute of them, and, moreover, as this larva 

 possesses a series of spiracles on each side of the body (overlooked 

 by Messrs. Kirby and Spence), they ought scarcely to be regarded 

 as such. Fig. 24. 19. represents the antenna; Jig. 16. the underside 

 of the head and prothoracic segment, and Jig. 17. the maxillae and 

 labium. 



